Police appeal for fresh leads in historic murder inquiry

Police are appealing for information 27 years on from the disappearance of 37-year-old Deborah Steel, known as Debbie, from Ely.

Deborah was the landlady of a local pub called The Royal Standard but failed to return home from a shift on the night of 27 December 1997.

Deborah’s disappearance was initially recorded as a missing persons investigation, but later raised to murder. However, despite extensive investigations and three arrests over the past 27 years, Deborah has sadly never been found and nobody has been charged in connection with her disappearance.  

Detective Sergeant Kelly Adams, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: “Like all cold cases, the case of Debbie Steel has never been closed and never will be until we bring those responsible to justice. Officers conduct regular reviews of all cold cases in the hope of finding new leads.

“Your information, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it, could help build a bigger picture and secure justice for Debbie.” 

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information and may not have felt able to come forward at the time. They would also like to hear from anyone who may have been in the Fore Hill area of the city or the pub itself on 27 December 1997.

Det Sgt Adams added: “A recent investigation following the discovery of a bone in a garden in Ely has, understandably, stirred up emotions for Debbie’s family. The bone is not a match for Debbie, it belongs to a man and does not match anyone on our wider missing persons database. Further tests are underway to determine the exact age of the bone and these will take some time.

“However, with this discovery bringing Debbie’s case to the fore and the 27th anniversary approaching, we felt it an appropriate time to appeal once again for information. Debbie’s family are desperate for answers as they continue to grieve for her and have no idea where she is, they want to be able to lay her to rest properly and with dignity.

“We appreciate this event happened nearly 27 years ago, but we believe there are people out there who knew Debbie and may be able to shed some light on what happened to her. These people may not have felt comfortable speaking to police at the time, but might feel differently now.

“Justice has been a long time coming for Debbie and her family and I would urge anyone with information to please come forward and share it with us.”

Anyone with information should contact the investigation team via our dedicated portal.